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What Causes Spike In Heart Rate Followed By Dizziness?

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Posted on Wed, 21 May 2014
Question: During the middle of the night when I rise to use the washroom my heart rate spikes and I feel dizzy. This only occasionally happens and generally happens if I drink alcohol the previous evening and only happens when rising from rest.

if I sit up for a second first and then go to the wash room this does not happen.
is this something I should worry about?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Similar to POTS....

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

The described set of symptoms seems similar to a condition termed as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Here there is failure of autonomic nerves system to protect human body from abnormal blood pressure drops that can occur as we rise from a lying down position. Alcohol and dehydration exaggerate the symptoms of POTS.

I would not label the diagnosis of POTS (though it looks very similar) on you yet ,as you witness these episodes occasionally. Perhaps its only the alcohol and may be lack of enough fluid that triggered each episodes. Hence I suggest that you restrict alcohol consumption and make sure you drink enough fluids / water every day. Should it occur more frequently, you should visit a local physician for a thorough evaluation and discussion.

At this point, I don't think you have a serious concern.

Hope this answers your question. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Prasad J

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3697 Questions

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What Causes Spike In Heart Rate Followed By Dizziness?

Brief Answer: Similar to POTS.... Detailed Answer: Hi, The described set of symptoms seems similar to a condition termed as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Here there is failure of autonomic nerves system to protect human body from abnormal blood pressure drops that can occur as we rise from a lying down position. Alcohol and dehydration exaggerate the symptoms of POTS. I would not label the diagnosis of POTS (though it looks very similar) on you yet ,as you witness these episodes occasionally. Perhaps its only the alcohol and may be lack of enough fluid that triggered each episodes. Hence I suggest that you restrict alcohol consumption and make sure you drink enough fluids / water every day. Should it occur more frequently, you should visit a local physician for a thorough evaluation and discussion. At this point, I don't think you have a serious concern. Hope this answers your question. Let me know if you need clarifications. Regards